Prosecutor Simon Mayo QC told the Old Bailey: "Andrew Nichols repeatedly stabbed Colin Bolton in a jealous rage over Mr Bolton's role in the breakup of Andrew Nichol's relationship with his then partner Michelle Dooley."

The fatal blow, inflicted with "severe force", pierced Mr Bolton's sternum, his right lung and his heart, he said.

On the night of Mr Bolton's death both he and Mr Nichols were at the Thursley House flat of another of Miss Dooley's exes, Roger Thornton.

Mr Nichols had been told Miss Dooley and Mr Bolton had become an item days before, Mr Mayo said.

The three men were together in the lounge until Mr Thornton went to make a drink. He heard Mr Bolton cry out, Mr Mayo said.

Mr Mayo said: "Mr Bolton was on that sofa, not sitting any more but curled up in a ball with the defendant on top of him.

"Mr Bolton was crying out, 'Get off me, get off me!'

"Roger Thornton shouted at the defendant to stop, and pulled him away."

Mr Bolton, who had lived in Ham previously and attended Richmond College, was declared dead at the scene.

Mr Nichols was later arrested by Hampshire Police at a relative's house.